Every guidance counsellor will have his or her own dedicated computer shortly, according to Micheal Martin, Minister for Education and Science.

The Minister recently announced the allocation of funds from the IT 2000 budget for this purpose. He spoke about this commitment at the launch of Careers World, a multimedia-based resource for students, teachers and parents.

At the launch, Martin asked schools to ensure that this computer resource would be used for the purpose for which it is allocated.

Arrangements are currently being made with the NCTE to organise such provision, in consultation with the National Centre for Guidance in Education. The development will be implemented in parallel with a special IT programme for the training of guidance counsellors in information technology.

It is hoped that the computer initiative will facilitate simplification of the on-line CAO application process.

Roisin Kelleher, president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC), which has a membership of over 800, said she was "very pleased that the Minister has agreed to give computers to guidance counsellors. "It is absolutely essential that we have the technology so that we can give students the quality service that they deserve."

Earlier this year, the Minister told the IGC that every second-level school will be provided with a minimum of eight hours per week for guidance. Speaking at the IGC conference in Tullamore, Co Offaly, he said this allocation would take effect from the beginning of the next school year.